Comparison between Eurocode 2 and BS 8110

Rather than being couched in terms of elemental design, Eurocode 2 deals mainly in terms of phenomena. Thus the various limit states, material properties, methods of analysis etc, are applicable to all appropriate elements.

Several calibration studies have been taking place both by Government and industry. Definitive conclusions are difficult to draw as the versions of the codes to which they were carried out quickly become superseded. Nonetheless they point to the fact that there are few fundamental differences between EC2 and BS8110. A paper by Richard Moss and Rod Webster is indicative. Click here to download.

Their conclusions include:

• The advent of EC2 as for the other Eurocodes will have a big impact on the design of all types of structures. There will be a learning curve associated with gaining familiarity and using the new code.
• In general EC2, used in conjunction with the National Annex, is not wildly different from BS8110 in terms of the design approach. It gives similar answers and should prove marginally more economic.
• Overall EC2 is less prescriptive and its scope is more extensive than BS8110 for example in permitting higher concrete strengths. In this sense the new code will permit designs not currently permitted in the UK, and thus gives designers the opportunity to derive benefit from the considerable advances in concrete technology over recent years.
• The authors believe that, after an initial acclimatisation period, EC2 will be generally regarded as a very good code and a step in the right direction.

Source : www.eurocode2.info